Huge piles of flytipped waste have been set on fire in a tinder-dry farm field on the northern edge of Harborough district

Firebugs torched three huge piles of flytipped waste in a tinder-dry farm field on the northern edge of Harborough district this afternoon (Wednesday).

Firefighters raced to the scene to tackle the blaze after the illegally-tipped rubbish was set alight at Scraptoft to the east of Leicester.

Motorists were affected as flames tore through the pasture – sending billowing clouds of acrid black smoke across roads on a red-hot day.

Crews from Eastern and Central fire stations in Leicester tackled the incident in the meadow off Keyham Lane East after the alarm was raised at 12.40pm today.

“This was three separate large piles of flytipped waste which had been deliberately set on fire by person(s) unknown,” said Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

“This had then spread to a nearby field of dry grass.”

A fire engine from Eastern was initially mobilised before they “requested a further appliance to attend for personnel and water”.

Firefighters used an extended hosereel and three beaters to battle the flames in the field measuring about 100 metres by 200 metres.

“Police were initially requested for traffic management due to smoke affecting nearby roads.

“But they were subsequently stood down as the fire was extinguished,” said the fire service.

The sprawling fire was brought under control by 1.54pm.

“Flytipping is illegal. Arson is a crime,” warned the fire service.

“Local tips are now open for business and should be used.

“Please be responsible in these unprecedented times.”